This is a video for geeks made by geeks. Last month, The Doubleclicks, a musical sister duo, hosted a project prompting anyone who believes that women can be true geeks and gamers to send in their video messages. Their goal was to bring everyone together and challenge the likes of bullies, misogynists, and overall d-bags with their video compilation and song, “Nothing to Prove.”
The Doubleclicks received over 200 video submissions from geeks of all sorts, from children that love bugs to Wil Wheaton, whose sign was “Don’t be a dick”–simple and straightforward. The sisters have also launched a Tumblr page dedicated to uniting the girl geek support at girlgeekvideo.tumblr.com, open to any videos or stories if you’d like to contribute.
The growth of “geek elitism” and the “fake geek girl”
mentality spurred The Doubleclicks’ musical reaction. It’s been a slippery topic lately, but it’s been a problem for a long while. I remember being discouraged to pick a feminine name on Battle.net for Diablo II because my father was aware of the culture. In the end I never noticed anything…but then I never jumped into games with strangers.
It’s not exclusive to games and geekdom. If a guy likes what’s considered feminine music, people harp on him. If a girl likes Black Sabbath, she’s scrutinized for enjoying something perceived as masculine. We need to quit defining everything with gender. Most things considered to be nerdy have seemingly been “claimed” by the masculine side, like metaphorical territory that’s been pissed on.
It doesn’t belong to any one side. No one has the right to lay claim to it and hoard it. Everyone can partake, and should partake. So how hard is it to rejoice in similar interests? It’s not. It goes back to lesson of sharing and the Golden Rule. But no, human nature is riddled with greed and envy.
Seeing both men and women in the video was reassuring though. It helps us remember that there are those in the geek culture who don’t care about gender stereotypes. A geek is a geek, whatever the fandom. While this is yet another rant on gender discrimination, I want it to be known that it happens on both accounts, though more against females. I hope it improves, but I want everyone to take a step back and appreciate those who appreciate you for you.
You can find out more about The Doubleclicks and their new album, Lasers and Feelings, at their website.
Published: Jul 24, 2013 03:22 am